GENERAL CONCEPTS:

Why study the Truths of Christianity?

The most sublime knowledge that man can attain is the understanding of
God, there are many reasons that highlight the importance of studying the truths
of Christianity, organized systematically by theology, among them:

Studying the truth is important to know God well and understand our
nature. Christian teachings lead us to God. Knowing it well leads us
prepares to present the correct worship and leads us to authentic adoration.

Truth brings to our mind the knowledge of our good God.

we act according to what we think, if the right thing is in our mind
knowledge of God, our conduct can be good and our future
promising: I consider a thought that says to be very true:Keep your
thoughts, for they will become your words; choose your words
because they become your actions; because they form your habits,
because they shape your character; it develops your character because it determines your
future.So what we believe motivates our actions, affects our
character and determines our future. To sow the knowledge of truths
from Christianity is to sow the best of seeds that will undoubtedly yield
fruits to live better in this life and to enjoy a glorious eternity.
That knowledge affects our relationship with God, our thinking,
conduct and character, the effectiveness of our ministry and our relationships with
the other people, as it allows us to see from the best perspective, that of God.

The study of Christian truth builds up believers and is a factor

indispensable to 'perfect the saints for the work of the ministry'. In other
The study of Christian truths is indispensable because:

It allows for the correct exposition of Christian teachings, as all

preaching, Christian teaching, and interpretation of the Bible must be based on
the healthy doctrine.
Facilitates the precise and comprehensive expression of biblical truth.
Provides what is necessary for the authorized and systematized presentation of the
truth in a clear manner and with the accuracy of the Christian message, with support
necessary and beneficial explanations.
It offers tools to defend the Christian truth from error, for the
the best defense against false doctrines is a good understanding of sound doctrine
doctrine.
Provides answers to the challenges of the cultural situations of the time and the
philosophies of the environment.
Theology provides the essentials for the complete development of character.
Cristiano.

DEFINITION AND USES OF TERMS

 1) The Truths of Christianity are the set of teachings in which
the faith of the disciple of Christ is founded, these are investigated,
organized and explained by theology.

2) Theology as a science encompasses everything related to or everything that is known about

God and his relationships with his creation. The word 'theology', according to its
etymology is composed of two Greek words: 'DEOS' = God and
"LOGOS" = discourse, treatise, or word. Theology is then a rational study.
about God, which encompasses his person, his works, plans, and relationships with his creatures;
includes everything that is known about God and His connections with His creation.

Theology is a science, and like any other science, it does not create but discovers the
facts and their mutual relationships trying to demonstrate their unity and harmony in the
different parts of a true organic system.

Theology has its source in the revelation provided by God, and this is the object of
Her. So that Christ as the living word and the Bible as the written word,
they constitute God's most convincing discourse, and therefore the stone
angular of theology.

Theology is therefore the science of God. We speak of God because it proceeds from Him, and without His
initiative to make oneself known could not have "theology" in the strict sense of
word. We also say of God, because it is a science whose object of
knowledge is divinity: its existence, its character, its purposes with it
universe created, for its creatures, for its redeemed and for the
history.

Theology exists because we have a prior Revelation from God.

Charles Hodge affirmed: Scripture provides all the facts that constitute the
study material of Theology: thus the Bible is the source of Theology, while
that God is the supreme object of study.
I. GENERAL USES OF THE WORD 'THEOLOGY'
Generally, the word theology accompanied by an adjective is used for:

Recognize the first exponent of a theological system, the name of the

exponent is combined with that word. Example: Augustinian theology,
Arminian Theology.
Recognize the source from which theology draws its material. Example: Theology
Biblical, Natural theology, etc.
It is also used to indicate the place of origin. Example: German theology,
British Theology, etc.
To indicate its content. Example: Pastoral Theology, Dogmatic Theology,
etc.
Recognize the method used. Example: Systematic Theology, Theology
Rational, etc.
Mention the time or period when theology was formed. Example:
Old Testament Theology
Contemporary.

DIVISIONS OF THEOLOGY

The main divisions of theology are: biblical theology, systematic theology,

dogmatic theology, practical theology, natural theology.

A) BIBLICAL THEOLOGY:
Study everything related to God and His creation, using the Bible as a source. It is a
historical inductive study of the doctrinal content of the Bible in a form
progressive, book by book. This theology is based on interpretation, the product of
analysis and detailed studies of the sacred text.

B) SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY:
Study the revelation of God and present it in an orderly, structured manner.
rational, correlating all its data as a whole harmonizing it and
structuring it as a system of doctrine. It gathers all available revelation.
about each teaching or principle and offers the complete result. Theology
Systematics has the Bible as its main source.

C) DOGMATIC THEOLOGY:
Study the historical development of the different Christian doctrines, from the
from the time of the Apostles to our days. Also note the effects of these
doctrines in Christian life. It makes a systematic reflection on the exposition
what the church has given of its sets of beliefs, based on its study
based on ecclesiastical history, contributions from theologians, doctrinal movements
arisen through the ages, creeds and confessions of faith of the different
branches of the Christian religion.
 D) PRACTICAL THEOLOGY:

It studies the application of theological truths to the life of the person, for which
so much is the theology of action called

E) NATURAL THEOLOGY:

Study God's revelation through His creation, seeing it as a reflection of

its nature and character. Natural theology studies God taking as a source
principal of information nature.

FUNDAMENTALS OF TEACHINGS
CHRISTIANS

Every teaching has foundations on which it rests, those foundations will provide
credibility or distrust towards it. Next, we will see the foundations regarding the
on which theology rests, the elements on which the teachings of the
various currents of Christianity and will help us evaluate which of them are
reliable and which are not.

THE FOUNDATIONS OF THEOLOGY:

Fundamental Base:

The existence of God. Since God is the subject of theology, certainty is needed.
of its existence, otherwise there is no theology.

Other Bases:

The capacity of human intelligence to know God, and to understand

some of the relationships that He maintains with His creation.

The means that God has granted by which one can come into contact with Him.
man. We know God because He in His sovereignty has revealed Himself to man.
through His Word and Christ Jesus, His Son, by whom He gave us the greatest revelation
complete of its being.

QUALITATIVE REQUIREMENTS OF THE THEOLOGY STUDENT

 Before each student decides to enter the world of theology, they
It is necessary to carefully consider the following requirements:

The first necessary quality is that the student must have a certain
SPIRITUAL inclination. That results from a personal contact with God.

2. The second characteristic that a sincere student of theology must possess,

it is a spirit of REVERENT HUMILITY. He cannot be a student
True theology, if it is not possessed of humility and reverence, who is not
Is he a humble researcher in the face of the mysteries of incarnation and atonement?
Who does not feel and know that in these great events there is something that calls him to
take off the shoes from your feet; whoever does not have the conviction that this ground
he is a saint, he will not be able to be a good theology student.

3. The third characteristic of a theological researcher must be a LOVE

SINCERE to the truth for the truth itself.

The fourth quality that the theology student must possess is a SPIRIT.
OF TRUST. That is, the belief that under the illumination of the Spirit
Saint, one can find the truth that in turn provides the substance of the
theology.

5. The theology student must also have a PROFESSIONAL ZEAL for

your work. This is particularly true for those who are called to
Christian ministry.

The theology student must possess an ADEQUATE KNOWLEDGE

FROM THE BIBLE.

You must harmonize your will with that of God to receive understanding from Him.
Word (John 7:17) and to know the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God
we must be transformed by the 'renewal of our
understanding" (Romans 12:1-2).

RULES FOR BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION:

1. Interpret literally: defining in turn what the method of revelation was.
used by God to communicate (types, symbols, parables, dreams and
ecstasy).

2. Interpret according to the harmony of the text and in light of the whole Bible (2nd
Peter 1:20-21.

3. Observe the perspective of the truth in study.

4. Observe the relationships over time.

5. Interpret according to Christology: the central theme of all prophecy is the Lord
Jesus Christ.
 Interpret according to the history and the present cultural context.
7. Interpret grammatically.

8. Interpret accordingly.

LIMITS OF THEOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE:

The finiteness of human knowledge (Job 11:7; Romans 11:33).

The inadequacy of human language.
The silence of the Holy Scriptures on certain topics (Deuteronomy
29:29.
The lack of spiritual discernment.
Incomplete knowledge of the Holy Scriptures.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THEOLOGY AND RELIGION:

There is a constant relationship, interaction, and interdependence between theology and

religion, let's start by defining each element of this relationship:

It is the set of beliefs and activities that man engages in.

driven by his usual inclination towards the spiritual or
The Religion Supernatural and consists of any attempt to relate life
Human with the supreme being.
IT IS GOD'S SEARCH FOR MAN
The It is the discovery that God makes of Himself.
Revelation is the self-manifestation of God to man.
It is the liberation made by God to man by removing the barriers of
The separation between both.
Redemption IS THE MEETING OF GOD AND MAN THROUGH THE
SACRIFICE OF CHRIST.

Religion consists of a true, living, and conscious relationship between a man and
God, expressed in a life of worship, communion, and service. It presupposes that
God exists, having revealed himself and empowered man to...
closely related to this relationship and where man appropriates the revealed knowledge
of God, reflect on that knowledge and unify it, there arises the structure of the
theology, founded on the revelation of God.

Theology is closely related to religion in the sense that it

provides man with the basic awareness without which human nature could not
receive the revelation of God. Only that in practice they are sometimes separated.
way that one can be a theologian without being truly religious or could be a
religious without having a systematic knowledge of doctrinal truths. (if you know
Blessed are you if you do these things), this is God's message for you
theologian.
Diligently seek to present yourself approved to God, a worker who accurately handles the word of truth.
truth. (2 Timothy 2:15). It is God's message to the spiritual man. It is the
awareness that man is made for higher things, having infinity with
the invisible power of one who feels dependent. Along with this is the feeling
human of necessity, which is expressed in the consciousness of sin and a desire for
communion with a higher spiritual power. The work of theology consists of bringing together
and systematize these human needs and desires.

DOCTRINE-DOGMA OR NORMA

Each science develops its own vocabulary in order to achieve a greater degree of
accuracy. Theology, called the Queen of Sciences, cannot be an exception.
To start, it is necessary to clearly define some of the key terms.

1) Christian Doctrine: this is commonly presented under the broader title of

Christian theology, or in more technical terms, Christian dogmatics. It refers to it.
as the analytical study of that portion of the truth that facilitates the material of the
theology, generally known by the name of the Christian faith.

2) Doctrine:
The word doctrine means 'teaching' and is used to refer to the content of
beliefs of a particular group. In the scriptures, the word doctrine is the

Legah: Hebrew word that means 'the received' and is generally used
to point out the law of God received by Moses.
Didache: Greek term that signifies teaching and used in the Bible for
refer to the teachings of Jesus (Matt. 7:28; John 7:16,17) and the teachings of
the apostles (Acts 2:42; Rom. 6:17).

Thus, according to its use in the scriptures, doctrine is the revealed truth and in
the contemporary theological use of doctrine is the exposition of the revealed truth of
part of God as it is exposed in the Holy Scriptures and which constitutes in
the authorized teaching of the Christian church.

It is the revelation from God of a truth as it is found in the

Holy Scriptures.

The True Religion does not focus so much on the mystical, but on its motivations; not only
theory, also practice.
3) Dogma:
The word dogma means 'decision', 'mandate', 'decree' or 'ordinance';
In this sense, the term is often interpreted from two angles:
1. Decrees or Ordinances established by ecclesiastical authorities. This is the
popular sense of the word and is generally applied to the "set of norms
from an assembly.
Decision made through a thorough study of certain revealed truths
few clear, a decision that becomes the official teaching of a community
Christian.
Dogma is then the explanation that man gives regarding a doctrine,
explanation that is generally expressed in a creed.

To clarify a little regarding the difference between these terms, let's take the
next example. The Bible points out a certain fact regarding water baptism, but to
Throughout the centuries, dogmas have appeared with references to the manner, requirements of
candidate, and the exact meaning of the rite.
It is the dogmas that have given rise to dogmatic theology, thus marking
many differences in the various denominations of the church.

3.1 Elements of the dogma:

a) The Social Element. Religious dogmas are not the product of individuals
Christians, but of the church as a whole.
b) The Traditional Element. Dogmas are the result of studies and reflections.
matured by time. Christianity rests on historical facts.
c) The Element of Authority. Roman Catholics base the authority of their
dogmas on the "infallibility of their church" and the "infallibility of the pope". The
Rationalists seek the authority of dogmas in human reason. Evangelicals
They base their authority on the dogmas of the Bible.

DOCTRINE DOGMA-NORMA
It consists of the expression It consists of the ecclesiastical explanation of the doctrine.
biblical of divine truth.
It is a Divine revelation. It is the result of a serious study regarding the
revelation. But it will never be considered doctrinal.
It is a truth expressed in an ecclesiastical context.
a biblical context.
As a revelation of God, they cannot evolve over time without
it takes place at variations. that this means apostasy.
It is infallible and must be established by each denomination and/or
respected and accepted by the congregation and must be obeyed with submission and
all believers obedience by the members of the same.

THE VALUE OF THE DOCTRINE

Doctrinal knowledge provides what is necessary for an exposition.
authorized and systematic understanding of the truth.

Doctrinal knowledge is essential for the full development of character.

Cristiano.
3. Doctrinal knowledge protects from error.
Doctrinal knowledge is a necessary part of the baggage of the Christian teacher.
The term norm (from Latin, 'rule') is a rule or ordering of behavior dictated
by competent authority, noncompliance with which results in a sanction.

HOW DOES THEOLOGY SERVE THE BELIEVER?

Satisfies the Human Mind:

The theology explains the revelation of God in such a way that the human mind can
understand it. The believer should not be satisfied simply with knowing and
to take possession of salvation. He must also strive to understand it. Here is where
theology provides an invaluable service.

2. Produce a Christian Ethics and Conduct:

The ethical decisions of the Christian are first theological decisions, because they are
based on the principles and values that the Word of God contains and that theology
The behavior of the believer on an individual level is based on theological concepts.
what we have learned and assimilated consciously or unconsciously. Christian ethics
it is based on a biblical theology, but theology must also produce an ethics
Christianity in the daily practice of the believer's behavior. In other words, it should not be.
practice without theology, nor theology without practice.

It is essential for the complete development of the Christian character:

Solid beliefs develop a solid character, and likewise very well-founded beliefs.
defined also form clear, well-defined convictions. Naturally, the
doctrinal beliefs of a person do not constitute their Christian life, but there would not be
Christian experimental knowledge if there were no Christian doctrine.
HOW DOES THEOLOGY SERVE THE CHURCH?

1. Provides coherence and structure to Christian thought:

The Christian faith is not the disordered and isolated sum of ideas, concepts, and
principles found in the Bible. The Christian faith is a body of doctrines
coherent, structured in such a way that it can be understood. The biblical authors do not
they are independent believers from each other, but each is part of a picture
global.

2. Provide the Content of Christian Teaching:

Without theology, there could be no Christian teaching, nor dispute. Discipleship.
Learn from the master. The Divine Master, Jesus, commanded his disciples to do
disciples teaching them to observe all things that he had taught. There is a
deposit of faith, a body of doctrines, an apostolic teaching that must be
transmitted from generation to generation. Theology serves the church, precisely
transmitting that faith.

3. Fundamental to the Mission of the Church:

I will divide the mission of the church into three aspects: evangelism, missions
transcultural and social projection.

Evangelization: it has been heard more than once that what the church
they need evangelists, not theologians. The dichotomy that has been made between
 evangelization and theology is absurd. No one can be an evangelist without, at least,
To know the basic foundations of theology. How can one evangelize without
God
All of those are basic theological concepts.

Transcultural Missions: the Latin American church evangelizes

awakening to the responsibility of the global mission. Many missionaries have
emerged from Latin America in recent years without theological, biblical, or
missionary. No one can be a missionary without the foundations of theology. The
Theology provides the foundation for the global missionary task, because it explains God.
as a missionary God, who loves everyone and all the prayers and
people. Theology also explains the universal nature of the church and of the
salvation.

Social Projection: the church also has a social responsibility.

principles and values of the kingdom must impact societies, cultures, the
institutions. How do we know which values and principles are those of the kingdom? The
Theology says and explains it. How does society know what is right and what is...
incorrect? The Bible says so and Theology explains it.

4. Supports the Pastoral Ministry

The pastoral ministry is very broad. It is expected that the pastor functions as
preacher, counselor, administrator, leader, teacher. In all those roles the
Theology is fundamental. What will the preacher preach? On what basis?
Will the pastor advise? What principles will the pastor use to manage the resources?
humans and materials of the church? Under what values and principles will it operate as
leader? Theology provides the foundation for this diverse ministry. Although the pastor does not
Being a formal theologian, he will need theology to function.

5. Enable the Defense of the Faith

Apologetics is the branch of theology that is responsible for the defense of the faith.
against internal and external attacks. To defend the faith, theology is necessary,
because otherwise we would not know what we must defend. The Bible urges us to
to present a defense of the faith to everyone who asks for a reason for the hope that
there is in us (1 Peter 3:15,16). We are also asked to be alert to the attacks
against the enemies of the faith and fight for it (Jude 3).

6. Correct the course to the Church:

Throughout the history of the church, there has been a need for men of
God correct the doctrinal deviations of the church. That was the case of the Reformation.
Protestant of the 16th century. There is always a need for that work and theology is
necessary to straighten the church when it deviates.

HOW DOES THEOLOGY SERVE THE WORLD?

Although theology mainly serves the believer and the church, it also provides a
service to the world. Ultimately, theology presents God's universal plan,
that is to say, his will to establish his kingdom in this world. On one hand, the theology
it reveals human wickedness and denounces its state of estrangement from God, but for
on the other hand, presents the model of what God wants.

1. Reveals human wickedness: theology explains that man as an individual

and as a society it is distant from God. Theology tells the world that it is not
well, who is acting with their back to God, away from His will.

2. Present a Biblical Worldview: the worldview is the system of principles,

values and beliefs that underpin a culture. Theology shows the world
that there is another way to organize society, another way to relate to each other
men among themselves, another way to govern, to do business, to educate. In
finally, there is a system of principles and values very different from the one that works
currently in the world. That system has a name: Kingdom of God and it
based on the principles and values that emanate from the Bible.

CONCLUSION
What is the purpose of Theology? Theology, well understood, well explained and well
based on the Bible is the foundation of our being and our work as individuals
and as a church.
I. BIBLICAL THEOLOGY:

Investigate the truth about God and His creation, using the Bible as the only source.
the Word of God. It is an inductive-historical study of the doctrinal content of the
Bible in a progressive form, book by book. This theology is analytical and therefore
so exegetical.

Tools of Biblical Theology:

1. The Exegesis: the term is obtained by transliterating the Greek word

"EXEGESIS," which means: narration or explanation. Exegesis is the science
of interpretation and is closely related to hermeneutics.
Exegesis aims to clarify the meaning of statements and passages.
individuals, relies on the study of language (Hebrew, Greek). Studies the
morphology or structure of language. Lexicography or meaning of words.
The syntax, to know the functions of the part of the sentence, when these
factors have been ordered and used, it is still necessary to resort to the
peculiarities of the author.
The final product of exegesis must be the exact meaning of each word and
each sentence.

Lower Criticism: is responsible for the study of the biblical text, its conditions, its
antiquity and seeks to establish or reach the original message, in order to achieve the
better understanding.

2. High Criticism: studies literary authorship, date of the writing, grammar,

style, circumstances under which they were written, purposes.

II. SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY:

It is the 'science of God and the relationships between God and the universe'. Theology
systematics can be defined as the collecting, scientifically organizing, buying,
to exhibit and defend all truths coming from any source concerning God
and its works. This is theist as it follows a thesis of human design and presents and
verify the truth as the truth.
Systematic theology has the Bible as its main source, but it also turns to
other sources in search of material that will help him in his study about God and his
relationships with its creation. It takes material from philosophy, nature; also
It draws upon material from other branches of theology.

Synthesis is the method used by systematic theology for its study.

Study the revelation as a mode in its organic and structural character, as a
doctrine system. In a synthetic form, it gathers the entirety of the revelation about each
doctrine and principle and provides us with complete results.

Main Divisions of Systematic Theology:

 1. Bibliology
2. Own Theology.
3. Angelology.
4. Anthropology.
5. Soteriology.
6. Christology.
7. Pneumatology.
8.Ecclesiology.
9. Eschatology

DIFFERENT TYPES OF THEOLOGY

1) NEORTHODOX THEOLOGY:

This theological system was born in the year 1919, with the publication of the book 'Letter to
"Roma," written by Karl Barth. Its main purpose was to oppose liberalism.
imperative that had laid its foundations on human reason, despising the
divine authority of the Holy Scriptures.

The Neoorthodoxy of Barth was an 'apparent' return to orthodoxy. But just as

Pablo complains to the Galatians about following another gospel, soon the theologians
conservatives complained that Barth's neorthodoxy was far from the
real orthodoxy.

In his eagerness to dismantle the foundations of liberalism, Barth denied the possibility of
reaching God starting from man. He emphasized the need for
divine initiative. For Barth, revelation is a "perpendicular that comes from
above,” taking God the initiative; reaching man in the place where he is.
find. It is in vain according to Barth, all the effort that man makes; he only has
what to expect from the divine initiative. It completely denies natural revelation.

Reading the Bible does not mean, according to Barth, reading divine revelation. The Bible is a
indirect revelation of God. The true revelation of God is Jesus Christ, in such a way
that the Bible becomes revelation and therefore the Word of God only when
the "encounter" between man and God occurs.

Barth and Emil Brunner agree on the fallibility of the Bible. Man must
analyze the Scriptures and decide which parts should be accepted. Grant the Bible the
the final authority says Brunner, is 'Bibliolatry'.

For Barth, God is the 'totally other,' that is, different from humans; with this
Barth wants to emphasize the transcendence of God, in contrast to the
liberalism. For Reinhold Niebuhr, God is undefinable. God can be contemplated.
but it cannot be given a name.
For Niebuhur, the resurrection of Christ is only a symbol and Christ is divine.
only in the moral and religious sense. For the Neortodoxos, the parousia is only a
eschatological symbol, it is not a real event.

2) HISTORICAL THEOLOGY

It is the study of the history of Christian doctrine. Throughout the centuries, it has always been
There has been some study of the theology of past times, but it was during the last
century when historical theology first became a discipline
established by right. With the emergence of the historical-critical method or the approach
historical scientist, the history of Christian doctrine became a field
to be studied.

While the first generations had sought in the past the evidence of
an unalterable core of Christian truth, historical theology draws attention to
the changes in beliefs over the years. Historical theology also points out
the influence on theology of the philosophical and social environment of the day, showing that
All theology is contextualized, intentionally or otherwise.

Two of the main pioneers of historical theology in the 19th century were J. H.
Newman, on the Roman Catholic side, and A. Von Harnack, on the Protestant side.
Newman saw the phenomenon of changing beliefs as a challenge to the
affirmation that the Roman Catholic belief is always the same. Responded to this
challenge with his concept of the development of doctrine. Harnack saw the change in
terms of the Hellenization of doctrine, a progress that brought it up to the
time of the apostle Paul.

Historical theology is often accused of being a relativizing discipline.

It is true when the undeniably human nature draws attention.
history of all our theology. As such, it indicates the need to address the
current problems constantly in the light of the word of God and not turning into
absolute the theological systems of the past.

3) Practical Theology

A comprehensive term that seeks to relate theology to practice

ministry. The term is especially recognized in theological education.
Scottish and in some other parts. Traditionally, their subject of study was the
preaching, worship and liturgy, education and catechism, and care
pastoral. Although Schleiermacher and others tried to provide it with a theological basis
systematic and disciplined, in which the application was informed by theology, the field
it began to become useful advice for the ministers.

More recently, the discipline has expanded in numerous aspects. The relationship
between theology and practice is no longer considered unilateral but rather as
a mutual relationship where genuine dialogue takes place between theology and its
application. It is no longer exclusively dedicated to the role and task of the ordained minister
but it has to do with the ministry of the entire church. Furthermore, his field has
expanded not only to include new applied topics, such as the administration, the
communication and the growth of the church but also, more fundamentally
to place ethics at the center, to relate pastoral care to
contemporary psychology, and to include social dimensions within its scope and
policies, thus recognizing that the interest of God is not limited within the
limits of the church.

ROMAN CATHOLIC THEOLOGY

1) It insists that revelation comes to us through two channels: the Bible and tradition.

The teaching of the Roman Church determined what is to be received and how it is to be received.
you have to interpret.

The Catholic Bible includes and accepts the apocryphal books as inspired.

4) The tradition called divine-apostolic or constitutive is made up of supposed

revealed truths but not written, transmitted orally through the church.

Some Roman Catholic theologians lean towards a single source of the

revelation, assigning to tradition the role of interpreter of that revelation.

6) After Vatican II, a new concept was introduced: 'The Incarnational',

through which writing and tradition meet and merge in the teaching of
the church and none can exist without the others. Although the magisterium is not
not just an organ of revelation, but an indispensable and undisputable means of transmission.

It is no longer about writing alone, nor about writing and tradition when referring to the
teaching of the current Catholic Church, but rather the church alone, that is, the word of
God is no longer the focus that lights up the church, but rather the church is the focus that illuminates.
to the Bible.

The church's 'infallible' definitions bind the member and their obedience.
salvation depends.

Roman Catholics accept seven sacraments, the intercession of the Virgin Mary.
and the saints, purgatory (intermediate state between heaven and hell), the
priestly celibacy, the existence of monastic orders of men and women, the
priestly character of the ministry of the church and emphasize the sacrifice of the
mass.

EVANGELICAL THEOLOGY

Also called reformed to incorporate the great principles of the reform of

the 16th century which was fundamentally a return to the origins. The fundamental characteristic
from Evangelical Theology, is their will to joyfully submit to authority
sovereign of God as it is expressed in his revelation, recorded today in the
Bible (canonical books). This scripture is the source, the norm, and the infallible rule of faith.
for evangelical theology. In it, he finds the objective revelation of God, centered
in the redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The first task of Evangelical Theology is to listen to the voice of God through the Spirit.
and through the Written Word that has reached us. Then, it is about using
all the resources of the regenerated personality, the illuminated mind, the emotions
reoriented and the clean conscience of dead works (Hebrews 9;149, in order to
to present this divinely guaranteed work, as it has been divinely revealed.

On the other hand, the evangelical theologian does not write or meditate as an isolated believer, but rather
in the midst of the people of God, from the same faith, and the same communion of the
churches faithful to the Lord and to His word. He is also a witness in the midst of the community
who confesses his faith and within the strength he receives from the fraternal communion of the
church. However, their supreme loyalty, their ultimate fidelity is to the word of
God; only scripture is the norm. It alone constitutes the rule of faith and conduct of
theologian, and consequently, the rule of his reflective labor.

Theology, for us, can only be an explanation and experience of the

revealed word.

SUBJECTIVE THEOLOGY

It is the approach of theological liberalism and non-orthodoxy, they say that the authority of
God expresses himself directly in the subject and is transmitted through some of
the difficulties of the human soul: reason, feelings, and conscience.

a) Rationalism: it affirms the rational nature of reality. it contains ideas that

they influenced Plato and the Neoplatonists, and even appear well known from certain
Christian thinkers of the second century. They overvalue the intellectual aspect and
reduce the importance given to other aspects.
Reason is the most prominent place for acquiring knowledge.
religious.
Reason is the autonomous and unappealable judge of truth.
Objections:
When human reason has the final word, it ultimately leads to the
irrationality” (Prof. Derek Bigg).
The last stage of reason is to recognize that there are infinite things that
They surpass it. Very weak is he if he does not come to understand this.
The errors of the rationalist are the errors of a flawed vision.

b) Sentimentalism:
The individual experience is emphasized against any objective standard of
truth or conduct.
 The primary objective of research is not objective truth, but the
believing subject.
Reduced to a section of anthropology and psychology.

c) Moralism:
The importance of conscience and ethical standards is emphasized. Kant was
one of the drivers of this point of view.
The knowledge we can obtain through intelligence is not of
fair (secure)
It is safer to trust in the basic moral impulses of the human soul.
Value judgment with preference for metaphysical formulations.

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD FEDERATION OF VENEZUELA

GENERAL DIRECTION OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
BIBLICAL INSTITUTE 'JUAN ALFARO'
EXTENSION - THE VICTORY
 UNIQUE EXAM
INTRODUCTION TO THEOLOGY

Name and Surname

PART ONE: COMPLETION. (Value 1 point each = 5 points.)

1. The word 'Theology', according to its etymology, is composed of two Greek words.
what are: ___________________ and ___________________.

2. Theology has its source in ___________________________________________.

3. The Standard is: _________________________________________________________

4. Pulmonology studies _______________________________________________.

5. Two of the qualitative requirements for theology students are:

________________________________ y __________________________________.

PART II: SIMPLE SELECTION (Value 1 point each = 5 points)

Study the literary paternity, date of the writing, grammar, style, purpose.
Lower Criticism
High Criticism
Eschatology

2. It is the Study of the Kingdom of God without taking into account its respective works:
Bibliology
Soteriology
Own Theology.

3. Collect, scientifically sort, compare, exhibit, and defend the truths concerning
God and his works. They are principles of theology:
Systematic
Exegesis
Orthodox.

4. Declaration of man regarding a biblical truth:

( ) Doctrine
Dogma
Religion
5. Science of Interpretation:
Homiletics
Biblical Theology
Exegesis.
PART III: DEVELOPMENT. Read each question carefully before answering.
truthful response.

1. Mention 3 Limits of Theological Knowledge and explain 1 of them (3 Points).

2. Why is Theology a science? (2 Points)

3. How does theology serve the world? (2 points)

4. Mention the two Theologies studied by your group and explain one of them (3 points)

"The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, watching the wicked and
to the good ones
Proverbs 15:3

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD FEDERATION OF VENEZUELA

GENERAL DIRECTION OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
BIBLICAL INSTITUTE "JUAN ALFARO"
EXTENSION - THE VICTORY
(SABAFTINO)
 FACILITATOR:
Ruth Rodriguez Palma

NATURE AND SCOPE OF THE DOGMA

Dogma is precisely the authoritative formulation of a statement of a doctrine.

religion that has been adopted not through discussion but through belief. In order to accept a dogma, the
The formula must meet two conditions: it must be derived from revelation and must be promulgated by
a ecclesiastical body invested with such authority.
Dogmas have usually been formulated in times of theological controversy in order to
clarify the orthodox teachings against heretical aberrations.

DEFINITION:

The word 'dogma' comes from the Greek dokeim, which means: 'it seems to me' or 'I think.'
reformers and Protestant theologians define it as: 'divine truths revealed'
clearly in the word of God, formulated by some competent ecclesiastical body, and of
recognized authority because they derive from the writing.

The first element of this definition is Divine Truths. This must be understood in the
context. The unyielding dogmas are divine truths, for with the
Questioning one of these dogmas, Christianity no longer exists. However, truths exist.
divine, not stone. These are the truths that differentiate one denomination from others. These
they are peripheral truths that revolve around unbreakable truths.

The second aspect is that the dogmas must be strictly derived from revelation.
divine, otherwise it would lose any authority. One of the serious problems it faces
the church today is the adoption of dogmas that cannot be proven by the
writings.

The third element is that such formulation must be carried out by a body of theologians.
authorized for this purpose. The non-stone dogmas, also called denominational, are
statements or should be made by a body of theologians of a denomination.

The Nature of Dogmas:

All human beings have dogmas of one kind or another. The Christian church is not the
exception. Within the body of Christian dogmatics, there are rock-solid dogmas (doctrines) or
non-negotiables and the non-stone or negotiable dogmas. The first type refers to those that
they offer the church an indispensable doctrinal unity: Christ is God, Salvation is by
Yes, the Bible is inspired, the Trinity, etc.

This type of dogmas (doctrine) never comes up for discussion; if one is denied, it
the Christian faith is denaturalized.

On the other hand, there are negotiable dogmas, whose discussion has unfortunately divided
to the church causing great harm. Some of those dogmas are: the gift of tongues as
evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit, the assurance of salvation or the possibility of it.
loss, the existence of a literal millennium or mere symbolism. The denial or affirmation of
These dogmas do not affect the nature of the Christian faith.
It is absurd that in Latin America we have not been able to see what unites us, that
In reality, it is the rigid dogmas (doctrine) of Christianity, but we have placed our
look at those who divide us, in fundamentalists, Pentecostals, or charismatics,
creating denominational barriers of pride that have prevented us from joining efforts to
to form a common front against the enemy to attack it.

Formal Characteristics of Dogmas:

It must be derived from the Bible.

It must be the result of serious and responsible theological reflection.

It must be formulated by an official body, authorized by the church.

Elements Included in the Dogmas:

Social Element:

Dogmas are the product of the church as a body (as a whole) and not of individuals in
particular. It occurs in the communion of saints, a community of faith.

2) Traditional Element:

The dogma rests on a historical inheritance of 20 centuries. The theological truths have been
elaborated with the contribution of each generation that has tried to understand and interpret this
tradition in prayer, meditation, and struggle against all opponents of the gospel.

3) Authoritative Element:

When the church defines and accepts a new dogma as such, it immediately acquires
authority. Despite this, because they have been formulated by men (fallible by
nature), the dogmas are stained by such fallibility (they have errors).

4) Contextual Element:

The socio-economic and cultural context definitely plays a predominant role in the
formulation of the dogmas.